Pat Sajak stunned by 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant's retirement poem: 'I'm leaving?'
Don’t expect Pat Sajak’s swan song from “Wheel of Fortune” to be a tearjerker.
The TV host, who announced his retirement from the iconic game show earlier this year, poked fun at his exit during Thursday’s episode.
In conversation with a contestant named Rhachel, a spoken word poet, Sajak was thanked for his TV work with a spirited poem.
“Thank you, Pat, for all you’ve done over these last 41 years: the smiles, the jokes, the laughs, the cheers,” Rhachel said. “Congrats on your retirement. We’ll miss you when you’re gone. Just do me one favor before you go, and help me bring this money home.”
Sajak, 77, responded to the poetic gesture with feigned surprise. “I’m leaving?” he joked. “The things you learn.”
Sajak has hosted "Wheel of Fortune" since its inception in 1983, as well as its daytime version from 1981 to 1989. Here’s what to know about the Daytime Emmy-winning host’s retirement.
When is Pat Sajak retiring?
In June, Sajak revealed in a statement that he'd decided to step back from the long-running game show after its next season.
"Well, the time has come," Sajak said at the time. "I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It's been a wonderful ride, and I'll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it'll keep the clickbait sites busy!)"
Season 41 of “Wheel of Fortune” is set to conclude in June 2024.
Is Pat Sajak’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ co-host Vanna White leaving the show?
Co-host Vanna White, 66, who’s been hosting alongside Sajak since the show's 1983 debut, will remain on "Wheel."
In September, Sony Pictures Television announced that White will continue to reveal letters on her "Wheel of Fortune" puzzle board through the game show's 2025-26 season. White's contract was set to expire with Sajak's departure, so the extension means she will work on “Wheel” for at least two additional seasons.
When White spoke with USA TODAY in 2019, she was quite territorial about the gig. "I can't imagine anybody else on my puzzle board," she said with a laugh. "That’s a scary thought. It's mine!"
Who is replacing Pat Sajak on ‘Wheel of Fortune’?
Radio and TV personality Ryan Seacrest has been tapped to replace Sajak.
Seacrest’s appointment was announced in June, just two weeks after Sajak revealed his exit. The former "Live With Kelly and Ryan" host will also serve as a consulting producer on the show.
During an appearance on “Good Morning America” last month, Seacrest said he was warming up for the 2024-25 season by rehearsing at home and playing along with the show.
"I'm shouting out the puzzles, and my dog is staring at me," Seacrest said. "I'm also practicing the hosting part, too, in my living room. Just to make sure I've got the rules down."
Ryan Seacrest: Radio and TV personality named host of 'Wheel of Fortune' after Pat Sajak retires
What will Pat Sajak do after leaving ‘Wheel of Fortune’?
Sajak may be retiring from his hosting duties, but the TV personality’s retirement life will be anything but slow.
Sajak, who serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees for Hillsdale College (a Christian liberal arts college in Michigan), will continue his work with the school. He’s been a board member for decades: He served as vice chairman from 2003 to 2019 and was promoted to chairman in 2019.
"We have benefitted from his wisdom, intellect and good humor as chairman,” Hillsdale College spokesperson Emily Stack Davis told USA TODAY in a statement in June. “We look forward to continuing our important work together and to what we are sure will be a bright future for Mr. Sajak and his family."
What's next for Pat Sajak? Chairman at conservative Hillsdale College
Contributing: Charles Trepany, Erin Jensen, Morgan Hines and Joy Ashford, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pat Sajak retirement: Everything to know about 'Wheel of Fortune' exit